MECH 558
Combustion
Motivation and Overview
Homework 1
Text: Ch.1
Homework:
Due: Wednesday, September 9
1. Read the two National Geographic articles.
2. Calculate the energy content (kW-hr) in a C-battery and compare that to the calculated
energy content (kW-hr) in the same volume of heptane (C7H16). Assume a heating value of
heptane of 45,000 kJ/kg and density of 684 kg/m3)
3. Estimate the amount of CO2 in lbs that you generate per year from driving your car. (Use a
chemical formal for gasoline of C9H16.8 and a density of gasoline of 737 kg/m3).
4. Estimate the total chemical energy contained within the two airplanes that crashed into the
World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Express your answer in units of tons of TNT (1
ton TNT = 4.184 GJ). Assume a heating value of jet fuel of 43,000 kJ/kg.